2014-060 - Adopting Findings Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act

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Sexlingar Farmhouse and Orchard Resldentlal Development Project CEQA Findings would be replaced with trees matching the existing type, arrangement, pattern, and shape of the orchard within Lot 1. This would retain the feeling, appearance, and character of the historical resource in this portion of the project site. (January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 5) However, while the project would preserve the residence, garage, and portion of the orange trees, the property would be transformed from a historic single family residence and orchard to a suburban development with a small orchard and 22 new single - family residences. (January 2014 EIR Attachment, pp. 5 -6.) However, because the property would retain many of its major elements and still convey the significance of a property type once common in the City, and because the historic structures will be surrounded by compatible low density residential use, the property's location, feeling, and overall character will be maintained. Therefore the project will meet Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, reducing any potential for impacts to less than significant. (January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 5 -6; Cultural Resources Technical Memorandum, URS (November 2013)) D. GEOLOGY AND SOILS 1. Impact: Would the project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? Finding: Less Than Significant. (EIR, pp. 5 -44, 5 -45; January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 6.) Analysis: According to the California Department of Water Resources, the depth to groundwater in the project area is more than 50 feet. Liquefaction potential is considered negligible due to the relatively cohesive and dense nature of the underlying materials and lack of a shallow groundwater table. No evidence of past landslides or slope instabilities has been observed. Liquefaction is not generally considered to be a hazard if the water table is deeper than 50 feet, Thus, there is low probability for liquefaction, subsidence and landslides. Due to the site's elevation and distance from any open bodies of water, potential for seiehe is also negligible. Therefore, any impact is considered less than significant. (EIR, p. 4 -44, 4 -45; January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 6.) 2. Impact: Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 of the Uniform Building Code, creating substantial risks to life or property ?? Finding: Less Than Significant. (EIR, pp. 5 -44, 5 -45; January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 6.) Analysis: The project site consists of Quaternary -age alluvium consisting of silty sand and sandy silt materials which at depth change to dense gravelly sand. Based on laboratory testing with similar soils, the materials on the project site possess a very low expansion potential. Thus, impacts are less than significant. (EIR, p. 4 -44, 4 -45; January 2014 EIR Attachment, p. 6.) 12 "Exhibit A"